NI Coastal Communities Given £600k Funding

Northern Ireland's coastal communities have been given a funding boost to the tune of £600,000 in total.

Environment Minister Mark Durkan has encouraged seaside towns and villages to apply for funding from the £600,000 Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) pot.

CCF was established in 2012 and has already led to £450,000 being granted for two projects in Glenarm and Magheramorne, both in Co Antrim.

A proposed sum of £500,000 for further projects has now been increased to £600,000, with the fund itself extended until 2016.

"These communities play a vital role in the North, contributing to our wider community and economy," Minister Durkan said.

"Successful bids for the CCF funding will be creative and innovative projects that will tap into new business opportunities, create jobs and provide training and new skills that will benefit the whole community."

Grants of over £50,000 will be available for projects lasting up to two years.

Organisations eligible to apply include charities; voluntary and community sector organisations; social enterprises, including cooperatives and community ownership initiatives; local councils; development agencies and private sector companies.

(IT/CD)